S u m m a r y

Each set contains
one adhesive-backed black vinyl die-cut sheet and
instructions

Review Type:

First Look

Advantages:

Time saving;
admirable range to cover original kits and after-market
accessories; will deliver crisp results; excellent
adhesion prevents paint "bleed" under masks; does not
leave sticky adhesive on clear plastic on removal.

Disadvantages:

Recommendation:

Recommended to
moderately experienced modellers as a way to avoid a
fiddly and widely disliked task.

Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by
Meteor Productions

FirstLook

Black Magic Masks continue to expand their ever
expanding range.

This batch includes masks for RV bands, camouflage schemes,
canopies and wheels. The subjects seem especially eclectic, with
commercially popular models such as Trumpeter's P-40 and F4U
Corsairs, to the downright obscure. Who would have expected to
see Black Magic masks for Resitech's 1/72 scale TSR-1, or
Fonderie Miniature's H-21? Nice to see the esoteric subjects get
a guernsey!

Perhaps the most welcome releases this time around are the
canopy masks for Hasegawa's 1/72 scale B-25 and Heinkel He 111,
with their complex glasshouse noses.

As discussed in earlier reviews of Black Magic masks, Black
Magic masks are appropriate for any moderately experienced
modeller who already dabbles with cutting their own masks from
tape. A little practice may be required to correctly position
the masks, and to avoid stretching the vinyl during application.
Try practicing with scrap material before committing the first
mask to your model.

I have used Black Magic masks extensively over the years, and
they deliver consistently good results because:

they fit

the adhesive is strong enough
that paint does not bleed under the masks

the black vinyl is tough
enough that it does not easily stretch, but is flexible
enough to cope with subtle curves

the adhesive does not leave a
residue on the clear plastic

With careful handling, the wheel masks should be re-usable.
Due to the high risk of paint bleeding, it will be safest to
assume that the canopy masks can only be used once.

These sets will be a handy accessory for the large number of
modellers who hate masking!